Screening of Urinary Crystals among Egyptian Children in South Sinai

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate prevalence of urinary crystals among Egyptian children in selected 6 localities of South Sinai. Subject and Methods:It is a cross sectional, observational study, included 1918 children from six localities of South Sinai. History of any previous renal problems was taken and urine samples were collected from all patients to search for the presence of any type of crystals.Results: Prevalence of urinary crystals was found to be 28.99 %. The most frequent urinary crystals were oxalate (15.64 %). Oxalate crystals were the highest in EI-Tur, Uric acid crystals were the highest in Abo Redeis, Triple phosphate crystals were the highest in Saint Katrin. Uric acid crystals were significantly higher in children of bedouin area and in children with positive consanguinity.Conclusion: high prevalence of urinary crystals (which predispose to stone formation) among children in South Sinai. City was the most frequent risk factor for the three crystals and oxalate crystals were the most common crystal followed by uric acid.